What do you do when your best friend gets to be an old dog? The average lifespan of an Otterhound is 10.8 years. Jack is now just a few months away from 12 years. We are very careful with him because we know he doesn't see very well so we walk him down the stairs and try to provide him with plenty of light when he is an area he is less familiar with. We understand that he is happy to sleep most of the day and also know he needs to go outdoors on a very regular basis to avoid accidents. We try to insure he has access to water as we always have. Like an old man he has some trouble with his prostate but we medicate him to keep it under control.
Even though he is an old fella, he still enjoys life very much. He likes to stay nearby as I move from room to room. In the picture to the left you can see him checking out what I was doing when I put together Wickie's whelping box before her last puppies were born. I don't think he has any trouble with his hearing because as soon as I pour water in his bowl or Wickie and I are trying to sneak out for a walk, he comes running as fast as he can. He won't be left behind if anyone says "Walk". |